‘Voice of oppressed people:’ Rights activist Narges Mohammadi speaks out for Iranian women from prison

'Rising Against Oppression:' Iranian Human Rights Activist, Narges Mohammadi Raises Voice for Women while In Prison

It resembles a poignant scene from a dramatic movie: the vivid memory of 16-year-old Ali, recalling the last time his mother prepared a humble breakfast before they left for school. Little did the twins, Ali and Kiana, suspect that their mother, Narges Mohammadi, would not be there upon their return. That bitter memory from eight years ago still lingers in their minds.

Mohammadi, a beacon in Iran's battle for human rights, and her struggle has resulted in endless personal sacrifices. Being a steadfast voice for the voiceless, a fearless campaigner against the death penalty, and solitary confinement has come with steep costs.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Prison

Her fight against the oppression of Iranian women and her resilience in promoting human rights and freedom earned her the Nobel Peace Prize. Oslo's Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the accolade on one fine Friday, yet Mohammadi heard the news from a prison cell.

For the better part of two decades, Mohammadi has been shackled by prison walls, encountering repeated sentences due to her defiant activism. She's been handed a 10-year, 9-month sentence, charged with actions against national security and alleged state propaganda. Mohammadi has also been sentenced to physical punishment, including 154 lashes, the extent of which hasn't been carried out according to human rights groups. Bizarrely, amidst the harrowing conditions of Tehran's infamous Evin Prison, Mohammadi's voice remains unbroken.

Emancipation Chants Echo from Prison Walls

Last year, with a single recorded audio from Evin, Mohammadi amplified the chants of "woman, life, freedom" interruption by the eerie automated message, "This is a phone call from Evin Prison." This was the response to the brutal crackdown of Iranian authorities on protests sparked by Mahsa Jhina Amini's wrongful death under the custody of Iran's morality police. Despite the significant oppression, Mohammadi asserts it is an era of great protest.

The Price for Public Outcry

Speaking out comes with a price. Public statements and media interviews led to an additional year in her prison term, further thwarting her from her beloved family. Beyond the chilling prison walls, Mohammadi remains undaunted, sending out letters denouncing the Islamic Republic's mandatory hijab and lambasting the paradox of a religious state exploiting sexual violence against female detainees.

Sexual Violence and the Abuse of Detainees

Mohammadi's letters to CNN expose a horrifying trend of sexual assaults on herself and other female inmates that have occurred over the years. With instances of such violence intensifying since last year's Iranian protests, Mohammadi stakes a claim that the abuse is now "systematic."

Holding on Amidst Hardship

A painful 18 months have passed without her speaking directly with her husband and children due to her refusal to stay silent in captivity. Rounded off by health issues and an uncertain fate in prison, her struggle continues. Her story, however, inspires others. They see her as a beacon of "endless energy for freedom and human rights."

Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, who has served his own 14-year sentence as a political prisoner, proudly displays the prestigious awards his wife has received on her behalf. Having been in exile in France since shortly after Mohammadi was imprisoned, Rahmani takes on the dual role of mother and father to their teenage twins, Ali and Kiana.

Perhaps the most profound sentiments come from Ali, expressing pride in his mother and acknowledging the sacrifices she has made for their homeland. While the pain of being separated from loved ones is immanent every day, the hope of freedom and equality keeps Mohammadi's spirit aflame. She remains the voice of the oppressed, the women, and the children of Iran, a role she's resiliently taken, even from behind her prison bars.